“Paradise” is defined as an ideal or idyllic place or state and the meaning of “Peace” is freedom from disturbance, tranquility. Both of these words emanate the beautiful exclusive-use Tulela Safari Lodge.
In early May, we made our way to the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. While en-route to Tulela, on the main road, about 200 metres from us, Jesse spotted a leopard in a tree. What a way to be welcomed to Greater Kruger – right?!
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the friendly staff as well as the beauty of the lodge itself. Overlooking a waterhole, set along the seasonal flowing N’tsiri River with dreamy bush views, Tulela has got the ideal spot for bush paradise.
After settling in, we set off for an afternoon drive, stopping at Tulela’s Star Deck, the lodge’s sleep-out location in the heart of the Klaserie, and a great spot to enjoy the sunset with a g&t in hand.
We returned to a turn-down of the room, and a fire blazing in the boma. Thanks to Chef D, from Chef en Route, we were well-fed and treated to an excellent meal.
The next morning, we sipped our coffee by the fire, listening in to the live podcast of campfire conversations hosted by Brett Horley with true safari legends, Michel Girardin and Sharon Haussmann.
We then went on a late morning game drive with a knowledgeable and fun guide as well as an expert tracker. Spotting birds and looking out for the Big 5, we stopped for bush brunch/snacks under the shade of a giant Jackalberry Tree – Big Jack.
One of the things I noticed were the colours & textures of the lodge – where creative guests like myself can get the satisfaction of well-designed, carefully chosen and luxury finishes. It’s the perfect atmosphere to relax and disconnect. For me that’s what gives the place that paradise-type look and feel.
What immediately impressed Jesse was the attention to detail, the little bits and bobs that were so well-thought-out: such as a spotlight to lookout for animals on the waterhole at night; a basket to take with our belongings on game drives; luxury bath salts and even a watercolour painting set, among other things.
Something that stood out for both Jesse and I, was that a place like this, paired with an authentic safari and a great group of friends or family, has the potential to be very special. It’s the kind of place that needs to be shared – whether it’s sitting together, chatting and laughing at the boma with a fire blazing, enjoying sun downers on a game drive stop or relaxing by the pool taking in the bush view. Now that’s our idea of peace – the team really got the concept, down to the tee (putting the T in Tulela ;)).
The team behind the scenes, making sure guests get the best and are offered the best, is what makes the stay at Tulela that much greater. The lodge can be booked to accommodate 10 guests exclusively for self-catering, with the option of a fully-catered private chef – cue Chef D!
What we love about Tulela is that there's flexibility. Being an exclusive lodge means that guests can choose what they want to do and when. They can sit around the fire, planning the exciting next day, with a private guide availble to them. The guests also have access to a number of extras, which creates a unique stay, completely tailored to them. For instance, lodge guests can sleep under the stars on the Star Deck at no extra cost.
Another extra which we experienced first-hand (or should I say, ear ;)) was a soundscape safari, hosted by the fascinating and inspiring, wildlife sound recorder Derek Solomon. We woke up at dawn to see that sound equipment had been set up on the deck. We put headphones on and listened intently, in silence to the microphone, which if I’m not mistaken, amplifies the sound from up to 10 kilometers. It was truly profound. We heard over 40+ different bird species that morning.
Tulela Safari Lodge delivers on their value proposition. It is absolutely a place of peace. It's a place of peace & a piece of paradise. Potential guests don't even know what they're in for.
We didn't want to leave Tulela...
Paradise and peace mean different things for different people, but what we discovered from just two nights at Tulela, is that it’s a place that delivers both – and more.
Click here to visit Tulela Safari Lodge's page to make a booking.
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